Guyana set to play Caribbean T20

Guyana are set to take part in the Caribbean T20 tournament despite an ongoing dispute with the government over the administration of cricket in the country, which resulted in the offices of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) being locked. The WICB said the GCB had made progress in being able to field a team and that they had sought additional assistance from the West Indies board, which was provided to facilitate their participation.

Guyana are scheduled to play Leeward Islands in Antigua on January 9, the opening day of the tournament.

"The WICB is delighted that the GCB, against considerable odds, and despite the Government of Guyana's refusal to unlock its offices, has been able to make significant steps towards being able to provide the Guyana team," the West Indies board said. "The WICB felt compelled to offer its assistance to the GCB in the best interest of the Guyanese cricketers, the fans of cricket in Guyana and all stakeholders.

"The WICB hopes there will be no further logistical and / or administrative hurdles placed before the GCB or the team to prevent the team's participation. The WICB restates its commitment to the process for ensuring that the management and governance of cricket in Guyana is strengthened and improved while reiterating that the authorised governing body for cricket in Guyana is the GCB."

The GCB had its authority taken away by the Guyana government, which then appointed an interim management committee headed by former Guyana and West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. The standoff between the Guyanese government - represented by sports minister Dr Frank Anthony - and the GCB, and by extension the WICB, dates back to the disputed Guyana board elections in July 2011.